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Na. Muthuswami
We have known each other since childhood. Even in those days, we shared a passion for the creative arts. In her younger years, she wrote short stories. But the ambition to be a writer got slowly eroded by the commitment of managing a family.
Avayambal
A serious writer goes through a period of creative dormancy. Though he may not produce any works, this is a very active period. We were married in 1958. At that time, my husband did not have a mentor. Through his own efforts, he discovered an effective form for short story writing. He wrote until he came upon a style that he was content with. Watching this creative process was fascinating for me. I did not want him to be distracted by the responsibilities of a 9-to-5 job.
Na. Muthuswami
In those days, a writer belonged to one of the two groups — those who wrote for popular magazines and others who wrote for literary magazines. You can’t have a foot in each camp. The works of literary writers were published in small magazines such as ‘Ezuthu’ and ‘Nadai’. These magazines ensured a confluence of creative arts. In contrast to the popular magazines, they featured a classic work of a reputed painter on the cover. Drama, contemporary dance… there was everything in these small magazines. Ezuthu, for instance, promoted the New Poetry Movement, which had sworn enemies. By introducing new writing forms and philosophies (haiku, zen buddhism and sufism), these magazines opened the doors to a new way of thinking. With a greatly limited subscription, these magazines, however, just about managed to stay afloat. After the running costs were met, there was nothing left for the writers.
Avayambal
I wished he wrote for the popular magazines, but kept it to myself. As a typist in the Labour Department, my first salary was Rs. 72. A bit of extra income would have done us good, but I did not want him to compromise on his principles.
Na. Muthuswami
Life is an unrehearsed play; even the actors are often taken by surprise. Even in my wildest dreams, I had not seen myself enter an office. As our financial position was bad, I began to work at one, and then another. In the evenings, I would pursue my creative interests.
Avayambal
No matter how busy I was, I always made time for his short stores. I was his first reader and most strident critic.
Na. Muthuswami
Everything I have written, she has read first. Except, of course, the play ‘Kaalam Kaalamaga’. Because, I wrote this play when I away from home. I needed a bit of quiet — the play was born at a place where the Cauvery and Bhavani meet, and run as two braided rivers.
As told to PRINCE FREDERICK
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